Career

Mechanical Test Operations Engineer

I am a lead mechanical engineer at NASA testing rockets for launch.

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

My work combines:

Engineering

Science

Building Things

Day to Day

My day typically starts with our team being contacted by a customer who wants to test their component(s) or the full-scale engine. From there, they give us a particular set of requirements to look out for and test like pressure, propellants, etc. We then contact the design end of our team to develop a test area at our facility that can accommodate the requirements. I participate in design reviews and prepare documentation. In the activation phase, we physically test the component or engine.

Skills & Qualities Beyond School

You need to have a strong interest in science and math otherwise pursuing this career will be challenging.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for high school students

Figure out what path you want to take to get here. People take many routes in order to get to NASA. Some were in the military, some go to community college first, etc. Find the path that works for you and your unique situation and follow it.

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Family:

"You can't move out, you aren't married! "

The rule in Mexican families is you don't leave the house until you are married. Fighting that cultural standard and getting them to understand that leaving was the best thing for me was difficult. I had to do what was best for me and what would give me the best opportunities.